Thanksgiving is a designated time to remember what we are thankful for in life. For many, it’s having our health to spend time with family and friends while gorging on amazing meals until our stomach feels like it will explode. But there are others who might be joyful they survived a fatal illness to be here celebrating with people they love. Or maybe, there are those thrilled to still have a job, maybe paid off a mortgage, or even happy because they got that iPhone they’ve always wanted.

As for me, I’d like to thank:

My family and friends who’ve supported me with my writing. I LOVE you guys!

My daughter and grandson for bringing me joy in my life with their adventurous spirit.

My readers. (Because without y’all, I’d have no reason to have a blog!)

All the authors that allowed me to participate in their book releases or cover reveals!

For all the ARCs I received, because FREE BOOKS before they’re published is AWESOME!

I have a job and I adore working with all my coworkers!

And finally (but not last), to God for giving me the strength to get through each day.

I’m sure there are many things and other people I may have forgotten, and ask forgiveness if I have. Everyone in my physical and virtual life are very important to me. Y’all give me strength to become the best me. Thank you for being a part of my life!

Whatever your reason for being thankful today, I wish you the happiest of Thanksgivings!

Yay, it’s Easter! Time for religious celebrations, eggs, chocolate, and family gatherings! Some folks celebrate for different reasons, and this is okay. Whether you’re a church goer, or not, I hope everyone has time for some egg hunting, eating, or just plain foolery! Yep, I aid foolery! Because…it is also April Fools Day!

So while you’re scheming your next trick, here are some fun facts I found about Easter and April Fool’s Day on Bing and other searches today:

Did you realize that Easter’s date often changes? Easter Sunday can fall anywhere between March 22 to April 25. Easter is based on the lunar calendar (moon) rather than our more well-known solar one, thus the variation in the date.

Why the name Easter? The most popular answer is that the name Easter comes from a pagan figure called Eastre (or Eostre) who was celebrated as the goddess of spring by the Saxons of Northern Europe.

How does Easter translate in religion? The Greek word translated “Easter” in Acts 12:4 is pascha, and refers to Passover, which was always kept on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan (Abib). It was Passover, not Easter, that God commanded His people to observe, and they did so throughout early New Testament time.

Christian’s Celebrate: The resurrection of Jesus Christ which occurred on the third day after he was crucified on the cross. Back in the day, decorating Easter eggs was traditionally a symbol of the empty tomb. This tradition is called Pysanka. Christians believe that Easter eggs symbolize new life and resurrection.

The week before Easter has a couple names: Holy Week and Passion Week. This week contains Palm Sunday, Maudy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and the Passover (Wednesday).

How much money is spent on Easter? According to Statistic Brain in 2017, the total monies spent on Easter candies was $2.1 billion and total amount on Easter related goods $14.6 billion!

How did April Fool’s Day Begin? The true origins of April Fools’ Day are uncertain, but one theory is that it began in 1582, when France adopted the Gregorian calendar. Before then, New Year’s Day fell on March 25, not January 1. And those who continued to celebrate the old New Year (at the beginning of April) were called “fools” by their early adopting peers.

Be careful what you read! Some newspapers, magazines and other published media report fake stories on April Fool’s Day, which are usually explained the next day or below the news section in smaller letters. Sometimes they involve elaborate pranks, such as this one in Copenhagan Metro in 2001.

Hope everyone has a fantastic day! And as you’re eating, watch out for all the tricksters!

Although St. Patrick’s Day began as a religious holiday in Ireland, people across many nations now celebrate March 17, the day believed to be Patrick’s death. Here are some noted facts:

St. Patrick was not Irish.

Born a nobleman in Britain about 400 A.D.

An atheist in his early years

Kidnapped by Irish pirates at age 16

A slave in Ireland for 17 years

Rediscovered his faith while in Ireland

Returned to Ireland as a missionary

Legend states St. Patrick used the three-leaved shamrock to explain Christian Holy Trinity. (But it’s said no evidence proves he ever did.)

Still unclear if St. Patrick died in Ireland

And for those who are Irish, know someone who is Irish, or just want to help celebrate for their own pleasure…put on your green clothes, green hats, green glasses, green everything, and have some green beer, or green cake, or green potatoes, or anything drinkable/edible green, but pah-lease don’t call me later when you are feeling oh-so green!